The New Jersey Online Gambling Industry May Just See One Of Its Biggest Proponents Become Governor

There’s a new entrant in the New Jersey gubernatorial race: NJ State Senator, and friend of gambling, Sen. Raymond Lesniak.

Lesniak has been on the fence about running for the state’s highest office, but announced last week he would throw his hat in the ring.

Lesniak braces for uphill climb

“The final decision for me was I could not hold myself back,” Lesniak (D-Union) told NJ.com in an interview last Thursday. “The state of New Jersey needs fundamental reform and restructuring,” Lesniak added. “The state needs a fighter and I’m a fighter.”

Lesniak’s key opposition in the race will be sitting Lieutenant Governor, Republican Kim Guadagno, and Democrat Phil Murphy, who’s worn many hats in his career.

The well-financed Murphy is seen as the front runner, but Lesniak has the name recognition and reputation to emerge as the winner of what will likely be a hard-fought Democrat primary.

“This is an uphill battle,” Lesniak said of Murphy in his interview with NJ.com. “But I believe I have the support of people and the recent election has shown that you can go directly to the people and get support if you have the right message.”

Lesniak the politician

Lesniak has been a key figure in New Jersey politics for nearly four decades, representing Union City in the state senate since 1983. Prior to becoming a state senator, Lesniak served in the Assembly from 1978-1983.

Lesniak is also one of the more outspoken politicians out there, cut from the same cloth as one of his main foils over the past eight years, current New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Basically, if voters want to know where Lesniak stands on an issue all they have to do is ask him, especially when it comes to gambling issues.

Veteran New Jersey reporter John Brennan did just that, asking the recently announced gubernatorial candidate what a Lesniak administration would mean for gambling.

“Expand internet gambling internationally with international live poker tournament finals in AC.

“Take a shot at convincing the public that a specific North Jersey casino site with a redevelopment plan for Atlantic City will be beneficial to the state by creating jobs, bringing back revenue lost to New York and Pennsylvania and transforming AC to a tourist destination with casinos – rather than just a casino destination.

“Also, support the horse racing industry, racetracks and horse farms with purse supplements.”

Lesniak’s history with gambling

If Lesniak is elected governor in November (unlike most states, New Jersey holds its gubernatorial race during odd-numbered off-years), gambling will be a hot topic throughout his tenure.

Furthermore, Lesniak isn’t the typical bombastic politician who simply talks a good game; he’s a man of action. Lesniak hasn’t just supported gambling efforts in New Jersey, he’s been the driving force behind most of the state’s recent efforts.

Lesniak is credited with spearheading NJ online gambling legalization through the state legislature, as well as being at the forefront of the state’s ongoing efforts to legalize sports betting.

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Steve Ruddock -
Steve covers nearly every angle of online poker in his job as a full-time freelance poker writer. His primary focus for OPR is the developing legal and legislative picture for regulated US online poker and gambling.